When the COVID-related lockdowns and border closings occurred approximately a year ago, several challenges to the University of Illinois System’s travel practices were identified.
- There was no system-wide tracking to identify which employees were in travel status or where they were.
- Many flights were canceled, and units were responsible for tracking unused airline tickets.
- Travelers had to adjust their travel plans to return home quickly.
These concerns can be alleviated by use of our contracted travel agency.
- When travel is booked through the iTravel online booking tool or with a contracted travel agent, reports can be run to identify who is in travel status and where they are.
- The contracted travel agency tracks unused tickets and will remind travelers if they have unused tickets when they plan future travel.
- Contracted travel agents have priority call access with American, United, Delta, and Southwest, as well as their international partners.
This access, booking experience, and 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance allows the contracted agency to efficiently rebook travel when the unexpected occurs.
University Payables strongly encourages use of our contracted travel agency when university travel is allowed more broadly.
Contact
For more information, please see the OBFS site https://www.obfs.uillinois.edu/travel/contracted-agencies/ or contact the Travel Management Office at tmo@uillinois.edu.
